It seems like things are.

Death is interesting because the idea that we start and end is only correct if there’s something separate from the universe that you define as yourself.

Buddhism talks a lot about the doctrine of “no-self” and the idea that we are everything, and nothing. There are also a lot of concepts in mathematics which are similar to this. My personal favorite is the Mandelbrot set, which essentially has fractal patterns which repeat infinitely on different scales.

I don’t think any human is in the position to claim to know what reality or existence is. I hold some fundamental beliefs about the universe, but the best thing that an individual can do is be present and engage positively with the world which is around us.

Religion is a tool. In some ways it is a social tool, which can lead to certain types of human organization and group think. In some ways it is an individual tool, where people can find purpose and meaning in their existence and deal with the harsh reality of the unknowable. I don’t personally subscribe to any and I think they all suffer from very human problems, but I don’t think less of anyone who does. For many people, religion can unlock great things in their life here on earth, and for that alone it can be valuable.